India edge Holland to clinch series

New Delhi: Gurjant Singh and Mandeep Singh scored a goal apiece as India overcome world no. 4 the Netherlands 2-1 in an exciting contest in Amsterdam on Tuesday, claiming the three-match series after winning the first match 4-3.

Led by Manpreet, India, with nine players from their junior team, beat an experienced Dutch side through goals from Gurjant (4th minute) and Mandeep (51st). Saander de Wijn (58th) reduced the margin for the hosts. India put pressure on the home team and drew first blood through a penalty corner awarded in the fourth minute.

Varun Kumar’s attempted drag-flick was padded away by the Dutch keeper, Gurjant was quick to pick up the rebound and work his reverse stick magic to put the ball high into the net for his first international goal. India continued to attack and Armaan Qureshi narrowly missed a chance to make it 2-0.

The Dutchmen won a penalty corner in the early minutes of the second quarter, which was well saved by India goalkeeper Akash Chikte. The hosts then put more emphasis on their offence, winning three short corners, but could not make the opportunities count.

Down 0-1 in the third quarter, the Netherlands became desperate to score but India absorbed all pressure thrust on them. The final 15 minutes saw India increase intensity in their attack, which resulted in the second goal, Mandeep deflecting into the goal to double India’s lead.

In the final three minutes, the Dutch had three strong shots on goal. Saander de Wijn gave the hosts a chance, converting a penalty corner in the 58th minute but it was all that they managed till the final hooter.

“I think we played well in all departments. They are a very experienced team with more than eight players with over 100 international caps. So, to beat them we had to come up with something special,” Manpreet said.